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Is playing bass easy?

#24
I think there is one specific way in which bass (bass guitar, that is) is "easier" than most other instruments: Starting from scratch, you can reach a minimal level of competence -- i.e., good enough to play along with others on simple songs without ruining it for everybody else -- in a shorter span of time. By comparison, for example, you have to study and practice some wind instruments for months before you can get so much as a musical sound out of them, or study and practice violin for years before you stop sounding like a cat fight in the alley.

Indeed, this is one of the reasons I chose bass when I decided to learn an instrument when in my early 40s, having had no previous experience with any other instrument. My singular goal at the time was to be able to play in a hobby band with some of my (guitar-playing) friends as quickly as possible. (It worked!)
 
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#25
slobake said:
I spent years as a mediocre guitarist. A friend asked me to play bass in her bad and I was in love with bass from the first time I picked up my beat up Mexican P. I picked it up really fast and my band mates say I am a good bassist.
I have been wondering is the bass simple or am I just a natural bassist? I have been doing my own little study by trying to teach people a simple song. Simple whole notes that go A E C E. No one has been able the play that song right out of the gate like I did.
Next up the first song I learned on bass, U2's "With or Without You." A very simple song, right? Same result, no one has just picked up the bass and played out the gate like I did.
All this to say I guess that some of us are just meant to play bass.
What do you think?


P.S. Don't be offended.
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I have to agree with @slobake for I too am wondering the same thing. I been playing guitar on and off for years. I never thought I was all that great but many say I am good. I never played past my bedroom and classes, but I was invited to play a couple of songs at a regular gig that my teacher does but has stopped by the owner.

Then one day I get this fire under my butt to try the bass. No specific reason that I can think of and at first I tried to fight it and later caved. I went from a crappy Ibanez, to a Fender acoustic (still own it) to a $2000 Fender P-Bass, and a U-Bass for I just have issues.

I am picking up songs left and right; in fact the only song that is really challenging me right now is "American Pie". So I am wondering is the bass:
A. Easy or easier?
B. I was really meant to play bass.
C. The answer is really A but bass players try to convince themselves and us it's really B.
 
#27
I absolutely think there is inherent talent at work. I am self taught, by ear. I learned by sneaking into my step dads room and noodling on his yamaha 12 string until he caught me and the whoopins started. (It didn't stop me)
I bought my first guitar with lawn mower money and picked up a pitch pipe ( wonderful bit of kit, that! ) Very early on I found I could listen to a song, or think of a song from memory, and have it down in a few minutes to a half hour. I get a giggle out of people watching me play some standards as I have a unique way of playing them often times. I couldn't read music, still can't. But I can turn on the radio, grab my bass and be playing the song fairly well fairly quickly.
After many many years of playing with other folks I have come to the conclusion that aside from my best friend David ( a drummer ) most folks find playing a challenge or a struggle. David, like myself, seemed like they had played before. He was the best, most naturally gifted drummer I have ever played with or heard. He doesn't drum any longer. He paints. Well.
 
#32
I auditioned for a bass player gig once and ended up improvising a solo on guitar. I was told "wrong instrument" as in I should be a guitarist. It was just a fluke though. I'm very inconsistent on guitar. With guitar, there are too many variations regarding tone, attack, and style. As a mediocre bassist, you don't have to worry about those.
 
#35
Killed_by_Death said:
I monkeyed around on guitar & bass for years & finally gave up on guitar. I can pull off power chords, & that's about it. Maybe I'll get that Luna bass ukulele, which is essentially flatwounds tuned EADG like a guitar.

J05611.jpg
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Get this instead for it's a lot more fun:
Kala U-Bass

Kala-Bubinga-U-Bass-620x233.jpg
 
#36
fretter said:
I auditioned for a bass player gig once and ended up improvising a solo on guitar. I was told "wrong instrument" as in I should be a guitarist. It was just a fluke though. I'm very inconsistent on guitar. With guitar, there are too many variations regarding tone, attack, and style. As a mediocre bassist, you don't have to worry about those.
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Our guitar player is amazing he really rocks some great riffs. He has also sat in for me on bass when I am gone. Some of my bandmates say they like it better when I play.
 
#38
JRA said:
nice, easy part. easy tune. if you've got the feel = you're there! :thumbsup:
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Yup that's the thing isn't it. You could play that line perfectly but without the feel grooving with the band it's yawn time. Or you can lock in with the drummer, band and play your version of that line and watch the audience shake it in time with your playling. For me that is when I know I am playing it right.
 
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